Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Jacob Mandel is an experienced manager and operations leader with a diverse background spanning the arts, education, and nonprofit sectors. He currently serves as the Manager & DSO (Designated School Official) of Student & Academic Services at the Sotheby's Institute of Art, where he oversees key administrative and student support functions. Additionally, Jacob holds dual roles as a Project Manager at Layqa.info and the Director of Operations at Kearny Point Gardenship Inc.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Manager & DSO, Student & Academic Services, Sotheby's Institute of Art (2021 - Present)
- Manages all student-facing administrative functions, including enrollment, records, and international student services
- Serves as the Designated School Official (DSO) for the Institute's F-1 international student population
- Streamlines operational processes to enhance the student experience and improve institutional efficiency
Project Manager, Layqa.info (2022 - Present)
- Leads the development and implementation of digital solutions for the company's client projects
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time and on-budget project delivery
- Identifies opportunities for process improvements and innovative problem-solving
Director of Operations, Kearny Point Gardenship Inc. (2021 - Present)
- Oversees the day-to-day operations of a community-based urban gardening nonprofit
- Coordinates program logistics, volunteer management, and stakeholder engagement
- Implements strategies to expand the organization's impact and reach within the local community
Career Progression
Prior to his current roles, Jacob held various internships and temporary positions in the arts and education sectors, including:
- Undergraduate Advisor (Temp) at New York University
- Development Operations Intern at Guggenheim Museum
- Development Intern at The Drawing Center
- Assistant Financial Analyst at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
- Gallery Manager at Gallery Aferro
- Temporary Art Installer at Montclair Art Museum
- Curatorial Intern at Gallery Aferro
These experiences have allowed Jacob to develop a well-rounded skill set in areas such as project management, student services, financial analysis, and arts administration.
Academic Background
Jacob holds a Bachelor's degree in Art History from Rutgers University, where he graduated with distinction. His academic focus on art and cultural studies has provided a strong foundation for his work in the arts and nonprofit sectors.
Areas of Expertise
- Student services and international student support
- Operations management and process optimization
- Project management and cross-functional collaboration
- Arts administration and nonprofit program coordination
- Financial analysis and data-driven decision-making
Professional Impact
Through his roles at the Sotheby's Institute of Art, Layqa.info, and Kearny Point Gardenship Inc., Jacob has demonstrated his ability to drive operational excellence, enhance the student experience, and contribute to the growth and success of diverse organizations. His adaptability, analytical skills, and commitment to continuous improvement have made him a valuable asset in his respective fields.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, strong academic background, and proven ability to lead and innovate, Jacob Mandel is well-positioned to continue making a positive impact in the arts, education, and nonprofit sectors. His versatile skill set and customer-centric approach make him a valuable addition to any team.
